The NBA Summer League is fast approaching, and that means Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey will make their NBA debuts soon. Unfortunately, Harper’s debut will be delayed, as he will not participate in the California Classic due to a “minor groin issue,” according to the [San Antonio Express-News](https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/rookie-dylan-harper-injury-summer-league-20403065.php). Harper looks to make his debut in the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, the main showcase that includes all 30 NBA teams. Ace Bailey should be ready to play during the Salt Lake City Summer League, which features a three-game slate before the teams head to Vegas. With lottery picks around the league battling each other in exciting contests, here are five games that will feature Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, or both in NBA Summer League action!
**Saturday, July 5th: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Utah Jazz**
With the Jazz hosting the Salt Lake City Summer League, Ace Bailey will look to get his NBA career started in a matchup against the 76ers. By all accounts, Bailey wanted to avoid being a backup option in Philadelphia, canceling a workout with the team, and the Sixers opted to select V.J. Edgecombe with the third pick instead, an athletic guard with high defensive ability. With Paul George playing the same position as Bailey, Edgecombe was a better positional fit for Philadelphia, while Utah selected the high-end talent in Ace Bailey.
Despite reports that Ace was unhappy with the selection, he flew out to Utah this past Saturday and quickly changed the narrative with his work ethic and positive attitude. Rutgers fans will want to tune in as Ace will make his first impression on the league while battling Edgecombe, Auburn standout Johni Broome, and the 76ers Summer League team. For Rutgers fans who root for Philadelphia sports teams, this game will be a way to watch the Sixers’ draftees taking the hardwood while also supporting Ace Bailey in his NBA debut.
**Thursday, July 10th- San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers**
After Dylan Harper will be unavailable during the California Classic, his expected NBA debut will also come against the Philadelphia 76ers. In addition to being another double dose for South Jersey Rutgers fans, it will be exciting to see Dylan Harper take the floor for the first time as a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Joining him will be fellow draftee Carter Bryant, who is an athletic 3-and-D forward with a propensity for being a shot-blocker as well. The Spurs will look to mix two-way players, undrafted rookies, and their top G League players with their draft picks as they make roster decisions for the upcoming season. Harper may be matched up with V.J. Edgecombe, so the battle between the two highly drafted guards will be one to watch closely.
**Friday, July 11th- Utah Jazz vs. Charlotte Hornets**
The next game on this list is a matchup between the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. Although this may not be a game that would excite many fans in the regular season, both of these teams posess young talent that could impress in the Summer League. The Jazz will look to see their dynamic scoring duo of Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. impress along with their second-round pick John Tonje. The Jazz Summer League roster also includes other interesting prospects including J’Wan Roberts, Max Abmas, Steve Crowl, and RJ Luis Jr., as well as Isaiah Collier and Kyle Filipowski returning as second-year NBA players.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets will look to break in their own draft picks, which includes the sharpshooting Kon Kneuppel who was selected with the fourth pick, just before Ace Bailey. The Hornets also picked fellow Duke guard Sion James and Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner, and were traded the draft rights to Liam McNeeley, who was a five-star recruit before having a solid year at UConn last season. With Bailey and Kneuppel being wing players of similar heights, they also may be matched up on each other, making this game a must-watch for Rutgers and NBA fans alike.
**Saturday, July 12th- Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs**
A battle between two of the NBA’s Texas teams may be one of the top games in Summer League, pitting number-one draft pick Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks against Dylan Harper and the Spurs. Flagg was the headline of the 2025 class and will be joined by some of the Mavs’ two-way contract players, including Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard. This shapes up to be a big-time clash between the draft’s top-two picks, the first of many between the two stars, especially given that both will see each other four times a year during the season.
**Monday, July 14th- Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs**
Rutgers fans will be in for a treat when the Utah Jazz take on the San Antonio Spurs on July 14th. By this point, both Harper and Bailey should be settled in with their Summer League teams, making this a contest where both should be up to their potential. After spending a season together at Rutgers, the moment will be memorable for both stars as they begin their NBA careers. Perhaps we even see a jersey swap between the two after the game.